Time to branch out and grow

Business coach Darren McGarvie (front) with the business people taking part in the Growth Acceleration Programme. Photo / Stephen Parker

At first glance, they might not have too much in common. Ranging from brewers to accommodation providers, manufacturers to health care providers, it's fair to say the 11 businesses selected for an innovative new growth programme are a diverse group - but the one thing they have in common is a desire to grow their businesses and Rotorua's economy.

The successful businesses selected to take part in the 10-month programme are Advanced IT, Croucher Brewing Co, Innovatek Limited, Quest Rotorua Central, Mark Bishop Architecture Limited, Numedic Limited, QE Health, TelferYoung Rotorua Ltd, Tuff Plastic Moulders Ltd, Tarawera Publishing and Event Impressions.

The programme - funded by Grow Rotorua and the Rotorua Chamber of Commerce and facilitated by Darren McGarvie - sees the business owners receive a unique blend of business training focused on accelerating their capability in sales, pitching and developing a growth mindset with professionally-facilitated coaching over a 10-month period. It aims to triple the current rate of growth for participating businesses.

Numedic Limited director Peter Reid said the reason he'd decided to get involved with the project was to grow his business, which in turn would help Rotorua as it would mean the company could offer more jobs. Mr Reid said he had been in business in Rotorua for 20 years but there was always room for growth and improvement.

"The business has been level for the last three to four years, there's a lot of potential to grow the business worldwide and nationwide."

He said while he'd been through some business programmes in the past, what was special about this one was that it was done as a group - something he hadn't experienced before. "I think it is great because of the diverse type of businesses that are doing this. We've had big plans for a along time, hopefully this will help us get there."

Fellow programme participant Hilton McLachlan from Tuff Plastic Moulders Ltd, said the initial workshops had left participants "fizzing" and he was excited to see what would come out of the programme. He said he hoped the programme would continue beyond the initial 10 months.

Mr McLachlan said he had been surprised by the diversity of businesses, but also the way they had common goals and ideas.

Grow Rotorua chief executive officer Francis Pauwels said they were really pleased with the interest in the programme, which attracted 21 applications. "We had to make some hard decisions and selected 11 companies to take part in this innovative growth programme. Rotorua is very fortunate to have so many businesses who want to focus on growth and expansion. I'm looking forward to seeing the impact this programme has on the businesses involved in the coming months."

Rotorua Chamber of Commerce chief executive officer Darrin Walsh said they had lots of conversations with local businesses about this programme and "it really shows Rotorua businesses are keen to take their business to the next level."

"This programme will challenge the participants and provide new ways of thinking. Ultimately it's getting these businesses to grow fast and create more employment opportunities for the district."

Programme director and business coach at McGarvie Business Coaching, Mr McGarvie, said they had a diverse group which provided an excellent foundation for dynamic thinking in the session. "It is going to be exciting to see how each participant applies the tools and strategies learned in the sessions to accelerate their business's growth."